IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has firmly denied any discussions or proposals from Saudi Arabia regarding investment in the IPL.
While there have been reports linking Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to a multi-billion-dollar deal with the IPL, Dhumal has said that these remain nothing more than media rumours.
What did IPL chairman Arun Dhumal say about Saudi Arabia's investment in IPL?
In a recent statement to ESPNcricinfo, Dhumal addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Saudi Arabia’s involvement with the IPL.
Although there have been increasing ties between the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and the IPL in recent years, he made it clear that no concrete proposals or talks had taken place.
"It can’t be 'yes' or 'no' because there is no proposal to be discussed; it is just media speculation. There’s nothing that we can do about media speculating," Dhumal said.
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Saudi Cricket Federation has yet to establish a significant cricketing infrastructure and Dhumal acknowledged their interest in boosting the sport in the region. He said that Saudi Arabia’s large South Asian diaspora has created a demand for more cricketing activity, which the SACF is looking to meet.
The BCCI’s decision to host the mega-auction in Jeddah in November was seen as a step towards encouraging greater investment in the country’s cricket infrastructure.
“Saudi Cricket as such is part of ICC... They’re wanting to make some investments in cricket so that cricket becomes more relevant in that part of the world,” Dhumal added.
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Dhumal also addressed the potential for the IPL to expand its reach globally. While he is open to the idea of IPL exhibition matches in other countries, he confirmed that there are no formal discussions currently underway.
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He also hinted at the possibility of reviving the Champions League T20 if the opportunity arises - although he suggested that any such decision would depend on time and its value to the sport globally.